Kenya’s Department of Immigration Services has effectively put all pending work permit applications on hold. The Department’s work permit review committee has not worked on applications for the last few weeks. Those applicants who urgently need work authorization may apply for short-term work passes, which have not been affected.

It appears that the work stoppage is due to new work permit processing procedures implemented by the new Director of Immigration. Formerly a senior officer in the country’s military, Kenya’s new Director of Immigration was appointed to improve internal and border security.